2.SemiFinal2011

Being the host for the Eurovision Song Contest is a special kind of privilege in every year. The choice of the most adequate presenters is quite a task for the host broadcaster: they must be funny, multilingual and popular. Last year’s hosts were very young and cheerful, so this year’s choice in Germany should top it in a way. The NDR, which is the host broadcaster of this year in Düsseldorf, has decided together with Pro7 for Anke Engeleke, Judith Rakers and Stefan Raab.

Anke Engelke is a very popular comedian in the German TV. She is born in Canada, but grew up in Germany. She has already been a star when she was a child, hosting shows for children. Anke has already had her own late night show and appeared in several sketch shows like “Ladykracher”. Hopefully, she will have the opportunity to bring some good jokes into the ESC.

Judith Rakers is a journalist and news anchor in one of Germany’s prime news magazine “Tagesschau” at the moment. She is also hosting a chat show and has been the host for the draw of the running order and the semi final allocation. Judith fluently speaks several languages, so she is the perfect choice for the voting procedure.

Last but not least, Stefan Raab is going to host the ESC this year. He used to be a butcher, but soon came into the show business, composer for several hits in Germany, comedian as well. In addition he has his own late night show “TV total”. Stefan was always interested in the Eurovision Song Contest and hence composed several songs for the event like “Guildo hat euch lieb” performed by Guildo Horn (#7) in 1998 and “Can’t wait until tonight” performed by Max Mutzke (#8) in 2004. In the year 2000 he performed his own song “Wadde hadde dudde da” and came 5th in Stockholm. Last year he produced the show, where Lena has been discovered. He accompanied her all the way to Oslo, as he is her mentor. Now Stefan’s dream is coming true, hosting the event in Germany.

About me: Due to the fact that my parents are musicians, I have a gained a great enthusiasm for music. Since 1979 my interest in the Eurovision Song Contest has grown enormously. My first ESC I joined was in Dublin 1995. Six years later I founded the website eurovisionlive.com in the year 2001. The most fascinating part for me is the original idea of the Eurovision Song Contest – the peaceful contest of the European countries. I am very happy that I have the chance to contribute my little part for the greatest music show in the world.